In 2009-2010 District 211 will feature a new AP class: AP Art History.
No prerequisite is required for AP Art History, except that only Juniors and
Seniors may enroll for this year long course.

In AP Art History, students track the evolution
and development of visual art from Prehistoric times to the modern era.
Western and non-Western artists and art movements will be covered.
Students are encouraged, but not required to take the AP Art History exam
which awards college credit based on earned exam scores.

Some Questions You Might Have About AP Art
History

Q: Who
can take AP Art History?

A: Juniors and Seniors

Q: Who
should take AP Art History?

A: Anyone interested in art.
People interested in majoring or minoring in: art, architecture, history,
philosophy or
design. People who enjoy art museums and galleries. People who want to
know more about art, but do not feel they have strong art skills or
background. People with good observational and analytical skills.

Q:What
kinds of assignments are there?

A: Most of the work for this class is reading
the assigned text.
There will be quizzes for each unit and a final both semesters.

Q: What
textbook will be used?

A: Since we are presenting this AP class as an
equivalent to a college course, we are using Gardner's Art History, a
textbook that is used in most college art history classrooms as well as most
AP art history classrooms.

Q: Are
there any recommended
(not required) texts?

A: There are several additional texts that are
designed to help you study for the AP Art History exam. REA and
Barron's are highly recommended. Sister Wendy's 1000 Masterpieces
is also very helpful.

Q: Is AP
Art History difficult?

A: This all depends on your skills and
experience as a student. Good reading and note-taking skills are key,
as is a motivation to learn about art. Also important are
analytical skills, and observational skills. Being detail-oriented and
organized will definitely help you be more successful in this class.

Q:
What preparation will there be for the AP Exam?

A: You will be reminded of what will be on the
exam and what the exam focuses on throughout the year. You will be encouraged to form
and join study groups. There will be an intensive review before the
exam.

Q: Does
AP Art History count as an art credit or a social studies credit?

A: In our district, AP Art History counts as an
art credit only. Most colleges and universities require at least one
year of humanities and this would satisfy the requirement for many
schools.

Q: Is AP
Art History one or two semesters?

A: This is a full year, two semester course.
We recommend
Art and Contemporary Society if you would
like to take a related art class that is only one semester.